lunch

Spainglish

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Oh Spain…

You guys invented my 2 favorite things in the world: Tapas and Latin Lovers. I am quite short in the Latin Lovers department so I have decided to go heavy on the Tapas.

In honor of the new FIFA World Cup Champions, I thought it would be appropriate to have a little Spanish shindig. Tapas are very easy to make, they require a small number of ingredients, and pack huge flavor. Here are some of my favorites…Tapas that is…not Latin lovers.

The Menu:

Raspberry-Peach White Wine Sangria:

  • -1 cup Grand Marnier
  • -1 bottle Sauvignon Blanc
  • -12 oz of sparkling water
  • -1 cup of fresh raspberries
  • -2 peaches, sliced thin
  • -2 tbsp of fresh mint, chopped

In a large pitcher, pour in the Sauvignon Blanc, Grand Marnier, and sparkling water. Stir in the peaches, raspberries and fresh mint. Serve it up, or over ice.

Chorizo & Quail egg Crostini with Romesco

  • -1 Sourdough Baguette (cut in diagonal slices)
  • -12 Quail Eggs
  • -Mild Paprika
  • -1 Cured ready- to- eat Chorizo
  • -Romesco Sauce (traditional Spanish sauce made from nyoras, which are a sweeter and drier version of red peppers.)

Toast the crostini until golden brown. Spread 1 teaspoon of Romesco sauce on the toast and top with sliced chorizo.

Heat some olive oil on a skillet. Crack the eggs and cook on medium heat until the egg whites have set. Drain the eggs on paper towels and then lay them over the chorizo crostini. Lightly dust with paprika, salt and pepper, and chop some chives for color!

Sundried Tomato & Goat Cheese Tarts

  • -Puff pastry
  • -1 zucchini (sliced into thin rounds)
  • -Sun dried tomatoes (finely chopped)
  • -1 clove of garlic (crushed)
  • -Goat cheese

Cut puff pastry into rounds and place on a dampened cookie sheet. Prick the pastry with a fork 3 times to make sure it doesn’t all puff up. In a skillet, cook the zucchini rounds until golden brown, and then add garlic. Remove from the heat. Place the zucchini and garlic mixture on top of each pastry circle. Add the sundried tomatoes and a spoonful of goat cheese.Make sure there is at least ½ inch border on each pastry round.

Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden.

Triple Chocolate Fondue with Mantecados

  • -White chocolate
  • -Dark chocolate
  • -Milk chocolate
  • -Mantecados (traditional Spanish cookie. If you can’t find these I would recommend shortbread or pound cake)

Melt the chocolate on the stove and serve immediately. Dip the Mantecado cookies, green apples, strawberries, bananas or any other fruit of your choice.

Gruyere Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Sweet Potato Fries

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

Sometimes our inner kid is hungry and this is a dish that will satisfy those moments, while pleasing our more grown-up palette.

Prep Time 15 min.
Cook Time 30 min.
Serves 1

Ingredients

  1. 2 slices bread (your choice)
  2. 5 thin slices Gruyere cheese
  3. 1/2 tablespoon butter
  4. 1 sweet potato, julienned
  5. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  6. Kosher Salt (optional)
Cooking Directions
  1. Butter each slice of bread on one side.
  2. Place the cheese in the middle of the bread between the two unbuttered sides.
  3. Place in a skillet on medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes on each side.
  4. Place julienne sweet potato on a cookie sheet and dash with olive oil. Throw in a teaspoon of kosher salt, if handy.
  5. Place in a 450 degrees F oven for 30 minutes.

Yield: 1 servings

Nutrition Info
Per Serving

  • Calories: 1031 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 93 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 9 g
  • Fat: 59 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Sugars: 18 g

Girl Scout Grub

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009

On my honor I will show you an entire meal of veggies and meat all folded up in nice neat package. Perfect for when you are camping out, or in!